Livingston County CARES Group to Continue Gulf Coast Hurricane Relief Work

GENESEO, N.Y. - As Hurricane Isaac pounds the Gulf Coast and moves northward, the college/community organization Livingston County CARES is preparing for its next hurricane relief trips to the Biloxi/Gulfport, Miss., area.

Livingston County CARES has worked to repair homes and other structures damaged by Hurricane Katrina, which struck the gulf coast seven years ago this week.

More than 700 volunteers have been on the 25 work trips since they began in 2005, and have included SUNY Geneseo students, faculty members, alumni and community members; more than 60 homes have been renovated. Livingston County CARES will continue its work in the area on January 13-19, March 17-23 and May 19-25.

"It's hard to imagine that the people on the Gulf Coast are facing another potential disaster, but one thing I have observed on our numerous relief trips to the area is the amazing resiliency the residents display there," said Tom Matthews, Geneseo's associate dean of leadership and service, who coordinates the trips through the college's Center for Community. "Many of us wonder how they can stay in that area and endure the threats of these massive storms, but it's their home and we're pleased to help them face what comes their way as best we can."

Livingston County CARES is a non-profit group of Geneseo students, faculty and community members dedicated to local and global humanitarian projects. After Hurricane Katrina, the Livingston County Board of Supervisors established a relationship with its counterpart in Harrison County, Mississippi, to assist with the relief and recovery efforts. SUNY Geneseo organized Livingston County CARES through the Center for Community, which emphasizes the vital link between service and leadership.

The organization is planning its upcoming works trips to Mississippi this spring. To inquire about opportunities, call 585-245-5857.